The Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast

Join us on this bonus episode where Matt talked to Jessie Gu, Business Development Manager for Sage Intacct Advisory, about how firms can package and price client advisory services, build the right tech stack to scale, and put AI to real use in CAS delivery. Matt draws on 20 years running TydeCo to explain why verticalization and industry specialization (think nonprofit, healthcare, and financial services) separate firms that turn CAS into real recurring revenue from those still stuck doing transactional work. They also dig into Sage's AI close and financial agents and how firms can practically deploy AI without losing...

Donny Shimamoto, founder of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies and the Center for Accounting Transformation, joins Matt, Doug, and Emily to talk about why time, not technology, is the real bottleneck slowing down firms. He breaks down what firms actually ask for when they bring in a transformation consultant, why the profession needs to revive its apprenticeship roots as AI automates entry-level prep work, and what he's seeing on international standard-setting boards shaping AI guidance for audit quality.

Ellen Choi, founder of Edgefield Group and former Awin chief product officer, breaks down what actually separates firms making real AI progress from those stuck experimenting. She walks through her firm maturity scorecard, why "return on investment" is harder to pin down than most partners assume, and why the biggest AI decisions have to start at the top. The conversation also covers token costs, on-prem alternatives, and why an outdated AI policy might be a bigger risk than no policy at all.

Taylor Brown, CPA and director in CLA's digital practice, joins Matt and Doug to break down Sage Intacct's latest release: cash management and three-way matching, the new Financial Intelligent Agent, the MCP AI gateway, and fixed asset and audit trail updates. Drawing on her years as a Sage solutions consultant and her work teaching accounting at UT Austin, Taylor makes the case for why Sage is building AI into the product itself and why a foundational understanding still matters when AI gets accounting wrong 30 to 40 percent of the time.

David Westbrook, CFO of Robertson Stevens, joins Emily and Matt live at Sage Future 2026 to share what eight years as a Sage Intacct customer actually looks like from the inside. A former Deloitte auditor who chose Intacct when building the firm from scratch in 2018, David reflects on scaling from $500M to $9.5B in assets, how he's using AI to cut a week of quarterly close work down to a single day, and what he still wishes the platform would tackle.

Recorded live on the main stage at Sage Future in San Francisco, Emily and Matt sit down with Manav Thiara, SVP of Data & AI and Technical Fellow at Sage, to unpack the wave of AI announcements coming out of the conference. Manav breaks down the Sage AI Factory, the new AWS Agent Core partnership, and what the "black box to glass box" shift actually means for partners and customers navigating an increasingly noisy AI landscape. The conversation also tackles the bigger philosophical question head-on: will AI replace humans, and how close are we to mass adoption?

Sage's nonprofit marketing lead Natalie Anderson joins alongside Julie Raskin, CFO of WMHT Public Media, to break down the findings of Sage's 2026 Nonprofit Outlook report — and what it actually felt like to live through the disruptions it documents. Julie shares how WMHT navigated a $1.5 million revenue hit, from hiring their first grants manager to accepting donations of cars, real estate, and parking spaces. The conversation covers why the smartest nonprofit finance leaders have stopped chasing certainty and started building for resilience instead.

Mark Hickman, Managing Director of North America at Sage, returns to break down what's driving Sage's fastest-growing region — from the company's AI strategy built around trust, transparency, and human control, to the upcoming Sage Future 2026 conference in San Francisco. The conversation covers what finance leaders are actually saying about AI adoption, what's coming in the keynotes and super sessions, and why Hickman argues that "70% right" might be fine for an essay but will never fly in accounting.

Doug, Matt, and Emily return from hiatus to unveil a revamped podcast with a new format and a broader focus — bringing in voices from across accounting, finance, and technology, including international perspectives and even some Sage competitors. If you've been wondering what's next for the most official unofficial Sage Intacct podcast in the world, this is your answer.

Connect with the Hosts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybmadere
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlescault
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715

Get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://www.earmark.ap...

Doug, Matt, and Emily look ahead to Sage's upcoming Partner Summit in Orlando and discuss what to expect as the company kicks off fiscal year 2026. The conversation covers everything from AI implementation reality versus marketing speak to potential shifts in go-to-market strategy, price sensitivity in uncertain economic times, and why Sage is flooding construction conferences. Matt and Emily each make bold predictions about what might get announced at the closed-door partner event—and they'll be back to see who was right.

Sponsors
Bluebook - https://unsage.promo/bluebook

Ximena Maynard, CFO of Legacy Management Group, shares how she consolidated 30 separate QuickBooks files across 11 nursing facilities into a unified Sage Intacct system. She discusses the unique compliance challenges in healthcare finance, from managing resident trust funds to navigating complex Medicaid billing, and tackles the industry's biggest challenge of attracting and retaining quality staff.

Sponsors
Bluebook - https://unsage.promo/bluebook

Josh Smyser shares how he went from Big Four auditor to running his family's tuckpointing and restoration business after his father's death, growing TNT from $200K to over $6M in revenue. He explains why he chose Sage Intacct at just $3M in revenue, how he learned from a painful Sage 100 implementation to take control of his Intacct setup, and why he prioritizes best-of-breed software like Procore, Intacct, and Salesforce to prepare his company for AI integration.

Sponsors
Assembly - https://unsage.promo/assembly

Scott Hollrah, founder of Venn Technology, shares war stories from a decade in the Sage Intacct integration space, including the gaming company employee who quit mid-project due to spreadsheet burnout. The conversation covers when businesses outgrow packaged solutions like the Advanced CRM connector, how automation serves as an employee retention tool, and why AI adoption remains frustratingly slow despite the marketing hype.

Karen Penhallegon returns to break down Sage Intacct's latest release notes, covering the game-changing MineralTree partnership that finally gives users an end-to-end AP solution and the new AI-powered close workspace for early adopters. The team dives into long-awaited customer ideas like enhanced time tracking with overtime rules and customizable entry screens, plus the important requirement for all users to validate their email domains.

This bonus episode pulls back the curtain on how The Unofficial Sage Intacct Podcast came together and who the hosts really are beyond their professional roles. Doug, Emily, and Matt discuss what's going well and what's been challenging in 2025, reveal some unexpected personal hobbies and interests, and reflect on their mid-year wins and upcoming travel plans. They also offer their best advice for finishing the year strong.

Richard Corn, Director of Product Management at Bill, joins Doug and Emily to discuss how financial teams can break free from manual processes and embrace true automation. A former CPA turned product leader, Richard shares real-world transformation stories, including how Mark Cuban Companies eliminated their paper AP workflows, and explains why the accounting profession isn't disappearing but evolving toward higher-value advisory work. From unlimited virtual cards to AI-powered insights, Richard reveals what's coming next in the financial automation space and why now is the time for finance teams to stop protecting inefficient processes and start eliminating them entirely.

After Intuit reached out to clarify a few misconceptions from Matt’s earlier take on Enterprise Suite, he dove deep into product demos to get the real story. Doug and Matt deliver an unfiltered comparison between Intuit Enterprise Suite and Sage Intacct, covering everything from pricing strategies to AI capabilities. They break down which solution fits different business scenarios, revealing why your choice between these platforms might not be as obvious as you think.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Emily and Matt are joined by Eisner Amper's Skye Duhon to dissect Sage Intacct's 2025 R2 release and its mission to "knock down barriers so everyone can thrive." They explore the exciting new AI co-pilot sub-ledger reconciliation assistant, enhanced CRM integrations, and significant improvements to fixed assets and regional tax compliance. The conversation covers everything from automated WIP relief for construction companies to the long-awaited AP automation purchasing capabilities, plus some wishlist items like a full mobile app and better data migration tools.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Julie Adams, SVP of Construction and Real Estate Products at Sage, discusses how AI is revolutionizing construction from bid management to field operations. She explores Sage Intacct Construction's journey from a 2020 launch during COVID to becoming the fastest-growing vertical, featuring AI-powered takeoff tools, drawing management, and predictive bidding that helps contractors win projects at the right price. The conversation covers how modern construction teams are moving beyond spreadsheets and paper processes to integrated platforms that connect pre-construction, project management, and financials in one seamless workflow.

**We apologize for the audio quality issues that occur the final 10-15...

Recording live from the Sage Future conference in Atlanta, Emily and Matt sit down with Dan Miller, who runs Sage's Financials and ERP division, to discuss how AI is fundamentally shifting finance teams from tactical work to strategic business partnership. Miller shares his 15-year journey with the company and reveals Sage's approach to building trustworthy AI with audit trails, the evolution of continuous close from "bedtime story" to reality, and why the future isn't about replacing accountants but empowering them to spend weekends at their kids' games instead of reconciling spreadsheets. He also clarifies the difference between Sage AI...

Recording live from the Accounting Today Firm Growth Forum in San Diego, the hosts sit down with Frank Longobardi (former CEO of CohnReznick) and Dario Grassini from SAPRO to discuss the evolution of global staffing in accounting. The conversation covers how firms can successfully integrate international talent, the cultural nuances of working with teams from South Africa and India, and why starting with senior talent is key to offshore success. Dan Hood from Accounting Today also joins to share insights on helping firms navigate constant change in the profession.

Connect with the Guests:
https://www.linkedin...

Michael Blanton from Sage joins the show and breaks down the harsh reality facing nonprofits: only 9% consider themselves data-driven despite widespread recognition of its importance. With staffing crises, funding uncertainty, and political chaos creating unprecedented challenges, organizations are scrambling for revenue diversification and better technology solutions. Michael explains why this turbulent moment might actually be the perfect time for nonprofits to modernize their financial systems.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Mark Hickman, Managing Director of North America at Sage, joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Sage Future event, which replaces the former Transform conference and is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees. Mark shares insights about exciting announcements coming to Sage Copilot, the expansion of Sage HR into the North American market, and teases game-changing developments that will be revealed at the event.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Steve Howe from Times Three Technologies (T3T) in South Africa joins the podcast to share insights on Sage X3 and Intacct implementations across different markets. Steve explains how T3T's focus on Sage products has led them to become a leading partner, winning the executive partner award four of the last five years. The conversation explores key differences between product-centric X3 and service-oriented Intacct implementations, while highlighting how regional market differences shape ERP strategy and adoption around the world.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Michael Hulett from Avalara joins the podcast to explain how their tax compliance software helps businesses navigate the increasingly complex landscape of sales tax regulations. With over 43,000 customers, 1,200+ integrations, and expertise handling more than 12,000 tax jurisdictions, Avalara has become the global leader in making tax compliance manageable. Michael shares fascinating insights about the most challenging tax scenarios, from software's evolving taxability to the complexities of state-specific regulations and even the different tax treatments of sliced versus unsliced bagels in New York.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Three-time Platinum Club member Angela Nelson shares her 15-year journey at Sage, discussing how construction firms are finally embracing technology after decades as digital laggards. Angela explains the evolution of Sage's construction offerings from Timberline to Sage Intacct Construction, revealing how generational shifts and recent acquisitions are transforming the industry. Her unique perspective as a Partner Account Manager provides valuable insights into how Sage is positioning itself as the end-to-end solution for construction firms worldwide.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Barrett King, Head of Alliances at Ramp, shares insights on how the company is revolutionizing corporate spend management and financial operations. From Ramp's partnership with Sage Intact to the future of procurement, Barrett discusses how technology is transforming the way businesses manage their finances, cutting month-end close processes from weeks to minutes. The conversation explores the power of connected systems, data-driven decision making, and how Ramp's all-in-one solution is helping companies optimize not just their money but their time.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Karen Penhallegon is back to help Doug and Emily break down Sage Intacct's latest release notes. The team explores key updates to multi-currency capabilities, AP automation with purchasing integration, and the introduction of Co-Pilot AI features. They unpack how these changes impact different industries, with particular focus on healthcare's new clinical e-procurement solution and improved lending management functionality.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk
Rho - https://unsage.promo/rho

Juha Harkonen, VP of Partners and Operations at Sage, provides an insider's perspective on the evolving landscape of technology partnerships and advisory services. He shares valuable insights on how partners can differentiate themselves through verticalization, adapt to changing technology, and build sustainable practices in an AI-driven future. The conversation explores the nuances between different partner programs, marketplace strategies, and the critical elements that make partnerships successful in today's rapidly changing business environment.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk
Rho - https://unsage.promo/rho

Emily, Doug, and Matt reflect on the transformative changes that shaped the accounting industry in 2024, from the surge in M&A activity to the evolving role of AI in firms of all sizes. They discuss Sage's rebranding of their flagship conference from "Transform" to "Future" and what it signals about the company's strategic direction. The conversation explores current industry challenges around staffing, compensation, and maintaining company culture, while offering insights into what firms should expect in 2025 and beyond.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

We dive deep into the world of Sage Intacct's marketplace partners, exploring how these integrations and add-ons enhance the core platform's capabilities. From understanding the crucial differences between Marketplace Partners (MPPs) and Integrated Software Vendors (ISVs) to discovering niche solutions like utility billing software, we break down what organizations should consider when selecting partner solutions. The conversation also highlights valuable community resources like Partner Office Hours and the Sage Intacct Community, offering listeners practical insights for maximizing their Sage Intacct implementation.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Matt, Doug, and Emily dive into real G2 Crowd reviews of Sage Intacct, analyzing feedback from delighted champions to frustrated critics. They unpack common implementation challenges, explore the critical importance of partner selection, and share insights on what makes ERP projects succeed or stumble. The conversation highlights how proper expectation setting and clear communication can make or break a software implementation, regardless of the underlying technology.

Sponsors
Payhawk - https://unsage.promo/payhawk

Karen Penhallegon joins the show to break down the latest release notes and share insights from her 8+ year journey with the platform, both pre and post Sage acquisition. The discussion covers major updates including enhanced AR statements, new list view capabilities, and significant improvements to construction features and employee expense management. Karen, Matt, Emily, and Doug explore how community feedback shapes Sage's development while providing practical insights into how these updates impact different industries and users.

Sponsors
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay
Avalara - https...

Doug leads a discussion with Matt and Emily about the key differences between NetSuite and Sage Intacct, challenging common misconceptions about company size and enterprise readiness. The conversation explores how implementation partners, industry-specific needs, and automation capabilities should drive ERP software decisions rather than revenue thresholds or employee count.

Sponsors
Avalara - https://unsage.promo/avalara
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay

Doug, Emily, and Matt dissect Intuit's September 2024 release of their Enterprise Suite, examining how this cloud-enabled solution might impact the mid-market accounting software landscape. The discussion explores whether this move represents a defensive play to retain growing QuickBooks customers or a genuine competitive threat to established players like Sage Intacct and NetSuite. While many details about pricing and capabilities remain unclear.

Sponsors
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay
Avalara - https://unsage.promo/avalara
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep

Greg Ekker, VP of Professional Services at Sage Intacct, shares candid insights from his 19-year journey scaling implementations from a team of three to managing hundreds of concurrent projects. From explaining "what is cloud?" to delivering go-lives in as little as 30 days, Greg reveals how Sage Intacct's implementation methodology has evolved to meet changing customer needs. His stories of implementation successes, challenges, and future innovations provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of cloud financial software deployment.

Sponsors
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay
Avalara...

Doug, Matt, and Emily dive into frequently asked questions about Sage Intacct, covering everything from pricing and implementation to comparisons with competitors like NetSuite. They discuss the challenges of moving from Excel to an ERP system, particularly for nonprofits managing grants. The hosts also share insights on selecting the right accounting software for client accounting services (CAS) practices and touch on how accounting systems factor into M&A transactions.

Sponsors
Avalara - https://unsage.promo/avalara
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay

Doug, Emily, and Matt dive into Sage's artificial intelligence initiatives, discussing key features like GL outlier detection, AP automation, and the upcoming Sage Copilot. They explore how AI is transforming accounting processes, from enabling continuous close to enhancing decision-making capabilities. The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of AI in finance and speculates on the future impact of these technologies on the accounting profession.

Sponsors
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay
Avalara - https://unsage.promo/avalara
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep

This episode explores the journey of evaluating and implementing Sage Intacct for mid-market businesses. Emily, Matt, and Doug discuss common pain points that drive companies to seek new accounting software, provide insights into the buying process, and share tips for evaluating both vendors and implementation partners. They also delve into Sage Intacct's strengths in areas like multi-entity management, cloud-based solutions, and dynamic allocations, offering valuable guidance for businesses considering a software upgrade.

Sponsors
Bookkeep - https://unsage.promo/bookkeep
Corpay - https://unsage.promo/corpay
Avalara - https://unsage.promo/avalara

Dan Hood, editor-in-chief of Accounting Today, joins Doug and Emily to discuss the past, present, and future of the accounting profession. They explore how the role of accountants has evolved from compliance-focused work to more advisory services, and examine the impact of technology and changing educational requirements on the field. Dan shares his insights on emerging trends like ESG reporting and the increasing diversity of skill sets within accounting firms, offering a glimpse into what "Accountant 3.0" might look like in the coming years.

Sponsors
Avalara - https://unsage.promo/avalara
Bookkeep - https...